Decorative Covering

Abstract

A decorative cover configured to conceal a button or an edge. The decorative cover provides a variety of fashion options for updating existing clothing. When concealing a button, the decorative cover comprises a cover component and a button engaging component attachable to a back of the button engaging component. The cover component may retain an outward facing ornamental button or other decorative element. The button engaging component is configured to secure the decorative cover to the button to update the look of a garment. When concealing an edge, the decorative cover comprises a trim component and an edge engaging component. The trim component fits around the edge to update the look of the edge and is held in place via a plurality of clips or an elastic band configured to engage buttons along the edge.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to fashion accessories, and more specifically to decorative coverings configured to change the appearance of buttons, clothing, footwear, or drapery. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Once an article of clothing is purchased, the user is limited to the original configuration and look unless they have the article altered. People often buy accessories to wear with the clothing to achieve different looks and styles. For example, people wearing clothing with buttons may desire to alter the look of the buttons. Changing up the look of clothing requires removing the original buttons and sewing on new ones. This entire process can be frustrating and time consuming. People may lack the skills to sew on new buttons and just end up purchasing new and expensive clothing.

People are constantly looking for new fresh ways to update their wardrobe in an economical manner. Existing garments have many features that can potentially be modified, such as buttons, cuffs, collars, waists, necklines, trim, hemlines, or seams. Similarly, boots or shoes have features such as edges or ends that can potentially be modified. Additionally, even curtains or draperies have features such as edges or ends that can potentially be modified.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a way to update existing clothing, shoes, or curtains. There is also a long felt need for non-permanent alterations. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a way to update clothing without needing special skills. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a way to easily change up the look of clothing such as a dress, shirt, blouse, even pants without having to remove or replace the permanent features that are already a part of the clothing.

The present invention provides users with a modified button covering, allowing users to interchange the appearance of a garment button with ease, and enables users to alter the look of an outfit without completely removing buttons on the shirt, skirt, and more. The invention also features several pre-set buttonholes that correspond to the existing buttons, attached to the button using elastic ties, fasteners, and other fastening means, and gives users a simple way to change their style with various colors, designs, and styles of buttons. The invention stays firmly in place until manually removed, eliminating the need to constantly sew and re-sew buttons on the same outfit to alter its look.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a decorative cover configured to conceal a button. The decorative cover is attachable to and covers a variety of buttons. The decorative cover comprises a cover component and a button engaging component. The cover component comprises a front and a back. The cover component may be an ornamental button. The cover component may further comprise a decorative element attached to the front. The back may comprise a hollow configured to accept the button so that the cover component sits flush on the surface retaining the button. The back is positioned to face the button to be covered.

The button engaging component is attachable to the back of the cover component. The button engaging component is configured to secure the decorative cover to the button. The button engaging component may comprise an elastic band. The elastic band comprises a buttonhole. The buttonhole is configured to fit around and accept the button. The elastic band is secured to a top and a bottom of the back of the cover component.

The button engaging component may comprise a pair of elastic cords. Each elastic cord is attachable to the back of the cover component. Each elastic cord is configured to extend horizontally around the button in opposing directions to engage the button. The button engaging component may comprise a pouch and a drawstring. The pouch is configured to fit over and partially encapsulate the button. The drawstring is configured to tighten and hold the pouch in place over the button.

The button engaging component may comprise an attachment component. The attachment component comprises a cover component attaching portion and a button engaging portion. The button engaging portion is detachable from the cover component attaching portion. The cover component attaching portion is typically permanently attached to the back of the cover component. The button engaging portion is a strap with a buttonhole configured to fit around and accept the button. The button engaging portion is attachable to the cover engaging portion via a hook and loop fastening system.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof, comprises a decorative cover configured to conceal an edge. The decorative cover is attachable to and covers a variety of edges on fabric products, such as cuffs, collars, waistbands, footwear openings, curtains, and the like. The decorative cover comprises a trim component and an edge engaging component. The trim component comprises a crease, an inside facing portion, and an outside facing portion. The crease separates an outside facing portion and an inside facing portion of the trim component. The trim component further comprises a pair of ends.

The edge engaging portion is attached to a back side of the outside facing portion of the trim component. The edge engaging portion comprises a plurality of clips. The plurality of clips are configured to engage the edge and secure the decorative cover to the edge. The trim component may further comprise a closure. The closure is used to connect the pair of ends of the trim component once the plurality of clips have secured the decorative cover in place over the edge.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof, comprises a decorative cover configured to conceal a button-lined edge. The decorative cover is attachable to and covers a variety of edges that have buttons such as along the front of a shirt or a blouse. The decorative cover comprises a trim component and an edge engaging component. The trim component comprises a crease, an inside facing portion, and an outside facing portion. The crease separates an outside facing portion and an inside facing portion of the trim component. The trim component further comprises a pair of ends.

The edge engaging portion is attached to a back side of the outside facing portion of the trim component. The edge engaging portion comprises an elastic band. The elastic band comprises a plurality of slits. The plurality of slits are configured to fit around and accept the buttons along the button-lined edge to secure the decorative cover to the edge.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a button engaging component of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4B illustrates front view of the button engaging component of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button engaging the button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a plurality of the decorative covers of the present invention configured to conceal a button attached to a shirt in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button engaging the button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7A illustrates a rear view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button engaging the button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button engaging the button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a button engaging component of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a button engaging portion of the button engaging component of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal a button in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of an outside facing portion and an edge engaging component of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the decorative covers of the present invention configured to conceal an edge attached to a pair of pants in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the decorative covers of the present invention configured to conceal an edge attached to a shirt in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge attached to a boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the decorative cover of the present invention configured to conceal an edge in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of the decorative covers of the present invention configured to conceal an edge attached to a set of curtains in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention comprises a unique button covering. The covering allows users to interchange and alter the look of buttons without having to remove current buttons and sew on new ones. The invention features several pre-set buttonholes that correspond to existing buttons. The cover can be secured via elastic ties or fasteners. The cover can be applied to shirts, blouses, skirts, pants, and more. Any type of cover can be created for altering the look of buttons. The elastic bands or fasteners are firmly secured to the existing button, changing its look. The cover is kept securely in place until manually removed. The covers may be available in numerous colors, styles, and designs.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a decorative cover 100 configured to conceal a button 10. The decorative cover 100 is attachable to and covers a variety of buttons of different sizes and shapes. The decorative cover 100 is used to temporarily change the look of a piece of clothing without the need to cut off old buttons and sew on new ones.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the decorative cover 100 comprises a cover component 110 and a button engaging component 130. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover component 110 comprises a front 112, a back 118, a top 122, and a bottom 124. The cover component 110 may be an ornamental button 114 designed to look like an original button as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cover component 110 may further comprise a decorative element 116 attached to the front 112 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The decorative element 116 may be of any configuration, such as a cloth flower, lace, vinyl, leather, plastic, fringe, trimming, an ornamental design, or the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. the back 118 may comprise a hollow 120 penetrating the back 118. The back 118 is positioned to face the button 118 to be covered. The hollow 120 is configured to accept the button 10 so that the cover component 110 sits flush on the surface or the material retaining the button 10.

The button engaging component 130 is attachable to the back 118 of the cover component 110. The button engaging component 130 is configured to secure the decorative cover 110 to the button 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, and 4A-4B, the button engaging component 130 may comprise an elastic band 140. The elastic band 140 comprises a buttonhole 142 or slit. The buttonhole 142 is configured to fit around and accept the button 10. The elastic band 140 is typically secured to the top 122 and the bottom 124 of the back 118 of the cover component 110, although it may alternatively be secured side to side. The elastic band 140 is typically used for standard sized buttons typically ranging from approximately between ¼ and two inches in diameter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the button engaging component 130 may comprise a pair of elastic cords 150. Each elastic cord 150 is attachable to the top 122 and the bottom 124 of the back 118 of the cover component 110. Each elastic cord 150 is configured to extend horizontally around the button 10 in opposing directions to engage the button 10 and hold the decorative cover 100 in place over the button 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7B. The pair of elastic cords 150 are typically used for larger buttons, large buttons with rhinestones, heavy buttons, or buttons with wire and see-through holes typically ranging from approximately up to three inches in diameter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the button engaging component 130 may comprise a pouch 160 and a drawstring 162. The pouch 160 is a cloth pouch and is configured to fit over and partially encapsulate the button 10. Once the pouch 160 is positioned over the button 10, the drawstring 162 is tightened to hold the pouch 160 in place over the button 10. The drawstring 162 may be embedded in a perimeter of the pouch 160 or may be attached to the outside of the pouch 162. The pouch 160 and drawstring 162 are typically used for extra-large oversized buttons typically approximately larger than two inches in diameter, or for fabric buttons.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the button engaging component 130 may comprise an attachment component 170. The attachment component 170 is two pieces and comprises a cover component attaching portion 172 and a button engaging portion 174. The button engaging portion 174 is detachable from the cover component attaching portion 172. The cover component attaching portion 172 is typically permanently attached to the back 118 of the cover component 110. The button engaging portion 174 is a strap or an elastic band with a buttonhole configured to fit around and accept the button 10. The button engaging portion 174 is attachable to the cover engaging portion 172 via a hook and loop fastening system 176.

The hook and loop fastening system 176 comprises a cover attachment portion element 178 attached to the cover component attaching portion 172 and a button engaging portion element 180 attached to the button engaging portion 174. The cover attachment portion element 178 and the button engaging portion element 180 are the hooks and loops of the hook and loop fastening system 176. The attachment component 170 is typically used for smaller buttons approximately smaller than ¼ inches in diameter that are commonly used with child and infant clothing.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, comprises a decorative cover 200 configured to wrap over and conceal an edge or a corner. The edge can be a straight or curved edge. The decorative cover 200 is attachable to and covers a variety of edges on fabric products and garments, such as cuffs, collars, neck openings, waistbands, leg openings, arm openings, front openings in shirts and blouses, pocket openings, footwear openings, hems, curtains, hats, head dressings, beading, comforters, bedspreads, bed shirts, pillow shams, furniture dressings and skirts, draperies, and the like as illustrated in FIGS. 17-21. When applying the decorative cover 200 to beddings edges and hems for bed skirts, comforters or bedspreads, the lengths and width are relative to standard sizes for beddings. When attaching the decorative cover 200 to sofa or chair dressings and skirts, standard sizes for length of furniture is used.

The decorative cover 200 comprises a trim component 210 and an edge engaging component 240. The trim component 210 comprises a crease 212, an inside facing portion 222, and an outside facing portion 214. The crease 212 is generally a V-shaped or U-shaped fold in the trim component 210 that separates an outside facing portion 214 and an inside facing portion 222 of the trim component 210. The trim component 210 further comprises a pair of ends 228.

The outside facing portion 214 comprises a front side 216 and a back side 220. The front side 216 faces outward and may comprise a decorative element 218. The decorative element 218 may be buttons, lacing, flowers, assorted fabrics, or other decorative ornamentation. The inside facing portion 220 is positioned on the inside or back side of the fabric having an edge to be covered. The inside facing portion 220 comprises a front side 224 positional against the fabric and a back side 226.

The edge engaging portion 240 is configured to secure the decorative cover 200 to the edge. The edge engaging portion 240 is attached to the back side 220 of the outside facing portion 214 of the trim component 210. The edge engaging portion 240 comprises a plurality of clips 242. The plurality of clips 242 are configured to engage the edge and secure the decorative cover 220 to the edge. The plurality of clips 242 may have toothed edges, be alligator clips, combs, lock slides, retractable clips, reversible clips, buckles, hair clips, or any other known fastener for fabric. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the trim component 210 may further comprise an interfacing 232. The interfacing 232 is a piece of fabric, mesh, lining, underlining, vinyl, leather, rubber, foam, or padding positional between the edge engaging portion 240 and the wearer to provide cushioning.

The trim component 210 may further comprise a closure 230 as illustrated in FIG. 20. The closure 230 is used to connect the pair of ends 228 of the trim component 210 once the plurality of clips 242 have secured the decorative cover 200 in place over the edge. The closure 230 may be magnetic or mechanical in construction. For example, when the decorative cover 200 is used to cover the foot opening in a boot as illustrated in FIG. 19, the pair of ends 228 are mated with the closure 230 to surround the opening.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the decorative cover 200 may further comprise a plurality of weighted components 250. The plurality of weighted components 250 are attachable to the trim component 210. For curtains or drapery, the plurality of weighted components 250 are typically decorative pendants with clips on the back side that attach to the edge of the curtain and create a more draped appearance.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18, comprises a decorative cover 200 configured to conceal a button-lined edge. The decorative cover 200 is attachable to and covers a variety of edges that have buttons such as along the front of a shirt or a blouse. The decorative cover 200 comprises a trim component 210 and an edge engaging component 240. The trim component 210 comprises a crease 212, an inside facing portion 222, and an outside facing portion 214. The crease 212 is generally a V-shaped or U-shaped fold in the trim component 210 that separates an outside facing portion 214 and an inside facing portion 222 of the trim component 210. The trim component 210 further comprises a pair of ends 228.

The outside facing portion 214 comprises a front side 216 and a back side 220. The front side 216 faces outward and may comprise a decorative element 218. The decorative element 218 may be buttons, lacing, flowers, or other decorative ornamentation. The inside facing portion 220 is positioned on the inside or back side of the fabric having an edge to be covered. The inside facing portion 220 comprises a front side 224 positional against the fabric and a back side 226.

The edge engaging portion 240 is attached to a back side 220 of the outside facing portion 214 of the trim component 210. The edge engaging portion 240 comprises an elastic band 244. The elastic band 244 comprises a plurality of slits 246. The plurality of slits 246 are buttonholes and are configured to fit around and accept the buttons along the button-lined edge to secure the decorative cover 200 to the edge.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the decorative coverings 100 and 200 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the decorative coverings 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the decorative coverings 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the decorative coverings 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the decorative coverings 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the decorative coverings 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the decorative coverings 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A decorative cover configured to conceal a button, the decorative cover comprising: a cover component comprising a front and a back; anda button engaging component attachable to the back of the cover component; andwherein the button engaging component is configured to secure the decorative cover to the button.

2. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the cover component is an ornamental button.

3. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the cover component further comprises a decorative element attached to the front.

4. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the back of the cover component comprises a hollow for accepting the button.

5. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the button engaging component comprises an elastic band comprising a buttonhole.

6. The decorative cover of claim 5, wherein the elastic band is attached to the back of the cover component at a top and a bottom of the cover component.

7. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the button engaging component comprises a pair of elastic cords attached to the back of the cover component at a top and a bottom of the cover component.

8. The decorative cover of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of elastic cords is configured to extend horizontally around the button in opposing directions to hold the decorative cover in place over the button.

9. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the button engaging component comprises a pouch and a drawstring.

10. The decorative cover of claim 9, wherein the pouch is configured to partially encapsulate the button and the drawstring tightens to hold the pouch in place over the button.

11. The decorative cover of claim 1, wherein the button engaging component comprises an attachment component comprising a cover component attaching portion and a button engaging portion separable from the cover component attaching portion.

12. The decorative cover of claim 11, wherein the cover component attaching portion is permanently attached to the back of the cover component and the button engaging portion comprises an elastic band comprising a buttonhole.

13. The decorative cover of claim 12, wherein the cover component attaching portion is attachable to the button engaging portion via a hook and look fastening system.

14. A decorative cover configured to conceal an edge, the decorative cover comprising: a trim component comprising a crease separating an outside facing portion from an inside facing portion; andan edge engaging component attached to a back side of the outside facing portion; andwherein the edge engaging component is configured to secure the decorative cover to the edge.

15. The decorative cover of claim 14, wherein the edge engaging component comprises a plurality of clips.

16. The decorative cover of claim 15, wherein the trim component further comprises an interfacing for cushioning the plurality of clips.

17. The decorative cover of claim 14, wherein the trim component further comprises a closure for connecting a pair of ends of the trim component.

18. The decorative cover of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of weighted components attachable to an exterior of the trim component.

19. A decorative cover configured to conceal a button-lined edge, the decorative cover comprising: a trim component comprising a crease separating an outside facing portion from an inside facing portion; andan edge engaging component attached to the trim component, the edge engaging component comprising an elastic band comprising a plurality of slits; andwherein the edge engaging component is configured to secure the decorative cover to the buttoned-lined edge.

20. The decorative cover of claim 19, wherein the elastic band is attached to a back side of the outside facing portion of the trim component.